What to Do with an Old Picnic Table?

An old picnic table can be a bit of an eyesore in your backyard. You may be tempted to throw it away, but there are actually many creative ways to repurpose it. Before you toss it out, consider these ideas for giving your old picnic table new life.

One option is to refurbish the table and give it a fresh coat of paint or stain. This can instantly transform the look of the table and make it feel like new again. If the table is in good condition, this is a great way to keep it in use for years to come.

Another idea is to repurpose the table into something entirely new. You could turn it into a garden bench, a potting bench, or even a playhouse for the kids. With a little creativity and some basic DIY skills, the possibilities are endless. Don’t let your old picnic table go to waste – try one of these ideas instead.

Assessing and Preparing Your Old Picnic Table

Inspecting the Condition

Before starting any restoration project, it’s important to assess the current condition of your old picnic table. Check for any cracks, splits, or rotting wood. If the damage is minor, it can be fixed with wood filler. However, if the damage is extensive, it may be best to replace the affected pieces or even the entire table.

Cleaning and Sanding

Once you’ve assessed the condition of your old picnic table, it’s time to clean and sand it. Start by removing any loose debris, dirt, or grime with a stiff-bristled brush. Next, use a mild detergent and water to clean the surface thoroughly. Rinse with clean water and let it dry completely.

After cleaning, it’s time to sand the surface. Use a coarse-grit sandpaper to remove any rough spots or splinters. Then, switch to a fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth finish. Make sure to sand in the direction of the grain to avoid damaging the wood.

Before staining or painting, make sure to wipe down the surface with a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust or debris. This will ensure a smooth and even finish.

Overall, assessing and preparing your old picnic table is an essential step in restoring it to its former glory. With the right tools and techniques, you can transform a weathered and worn-out table into a beautiful and functional piece of outdoor furniture.

Refurbishing the Picnic Table

If you have an old picnic table that has seen better days, refurbishing it can be a great way to give it new life and extend its use. Refurbishing a picnic table involves repairing any damaged parts, painting or staining the table, and applying a protective finish to help it withstand the elements. Here are some steps to follow when refurbishing your old picnic table.

Repairing and Replacing Parts

Before painting or staining the picnic table, it’s important to repair any damaged parts. Start by examining the table carefully and identifying any parts that are cracked, warped, or rotted. Common parts that may need to be replaced include the table legs, slats, and bench seats.

To replace these parts, you’ll need some basic carpentry skills and tools such as a circular saw, miter saw, hammer, and deck screws. You’ll also need to purchase the necessary materials, such as 2×8 and 2×6 lumber for the table legs, cleats, and braces, and new slats for the bench seats.

Painting and Staining

Once the damaged parts have been repaired or replaced, it’s time to paint or stain the picnic table. Before painting or staining, it’s important to clean the table thoroughly and sand any rough areas.

When choosing a paint or stain, consider the climate in your area and the type of wood your picnic table is made of. For example, if your table is made of cedar, a clear stain may be the best choice to showcase its natural beauty. If you want to add some color, use stencils to create a fun design on the table.

Apply the paint or stain using a paintbrush, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to apply the paint or stain evenly and let it dry completely between coats.

Applying a Protective Finish

To help your refurbished picnic table withstand the elements, it’s important to apply a protective finish such as polyurethane. This will help prevent the wood from cracking, warping, or rotting over time.

Apply the polyurethane using a clean paintbrush, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to apply the finish evenly and let it dry completely between coats.

By following these steps, you can give your old picnic table a new lease on life and enjoy many more outdoor meals and gatherings with family and friends.

Transforming into a New Furniture Piece

If you have an old picnic table that is no longer serving its purpose, don’t throw it away just yet. You can transform it into a new furniture piece that will add value to your outdoor space. With a little bit of creativity and some DIY skills, you can turn your old picnic table into a bar table or a bench seat.

Creating a Bar Table

A bar table is a great addition to any outdoor space, and it’s perfect for entertaining guests. To create a bar table from your old picnic table, you will need to refinish the table and add a few modifications.

Start by sanding down the surface of the table and applying a coat of poly to protect it from the elements. Next, you will need to add a bar top to the table. This can be done by cutting a piece of pressure-treated wood to fit the size of the table and attaching it with screws.

To create a footrest, you can use a jig to drill holes into the legs of the table and insert wooden dowels. This will provide a comfortable place for your guests to rest their feet while they enjoy their drinks.

Building a Bench Seat

If you’re looking for a comfortable seating option for your outdoor space, consider building a bench seat from your old picnic table. This is a great DIY project that can be completed in a weekend.

To start, you will need to remove the seat boards from the table and cut them to size for the bench seat. Sand down the edges and apply a coat of poly to protect them from the elements.

Next, you will need to build a frame for the bench seat. This can be done using pressure-treated wood and basic carpentry skills. Once the frame is complete, attach the seat boards to the top using screws.

To add a finishing touch, you can paint the bench seat to match your outdoor decor. This will give your old picnic table a new lease on life and provide a comfortable seating option for your family and guests.

Transforming your old picnic table into a new furniture piece is a great way to save money and add value to your outdoor space. With a little bit of creativity and some DIY skills, you can create a bar table or a bench seat that will be the envy of your neighbors.